OSIRIDE: Operational Solutions for the Italian IRIDE constellation

OSIRIDE: Operational Solutions for the Italian IRIDE constellation


The OSIRIDE consortium will provide cutting-edge space technologies and services for the development of the IRIDE satellite constellation.

Tackling the challenges of the IRIDE Earth observation programme with cutting-edge technologies: this is the goal that prompted D-Orbit spa, Exprivia spa, Planetek Italia srl and Serco Italia spa to establish OSIRIDE (Operational Solutions for IRIDE), the consortium that will generate ideas by fostering the emergence of startups and innovative approaches for the development of the Iride satellite constellation. OSIRIDE will also extend benefits to a broad ecosystem of SMEs and startups in all Italian regions, thus ensuring innovation and further boosting the growth of aerospace districts.

The four Italian partner companies of OSIRIDE are specialized and leaders in various segments of the Earth observation industry: D-Orbit, in space logistics and transportation services, Exprivia, in ground systems and enterprise software solutions for public and private clients, Planetek Italia, in the development of Earth observation-derived services and analytics, and Serco Italia, in Earth observation with long experience in designing and operating satellite data management infrastructure.

IRIDE is Europe's largest low Earth orbit (LEO) space programme and is a major component of the NextGenerationEU dedicated to the development of space activities, supporting the ecological and digital transition. The programme will implement a system that includes all components (upstream, downstream, and services) to provide geospatial services at the national and European levels, both to public administration and private customers.

IRIDE will consist of a constellation of 36 satellites of various types and sizes combining SAR, optical, panchromatic, hyperspectral and infrared sensors. The constellation will be built in Italy and completed by 2026 with support from ESA and ASI for a total value of 1.3 billion euros allocated under the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR). The constellation will help the Civil Defense Department and other administrations deal with hydrogeological instability and fires, protect coastlines, and monitor critical infrastructure, air quality, and weather conditions.

The context and scale of IRIDE's projects are such that they will generate numerous job opportunities for young talent, researchers and professionals working on space technologies.

"Participation in Osiride gives us the unique opportunity to contribute to creating a satellite constellation, and opening European and global national markets to our Earth observation services", Giovanni Sylos Labini, CEO of Planetek Italia, declares.

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